Challenge Cup final weekend build-up has finally arrived and we’ll have all the latest news today as Hull FC and Wigan Warriors players and coaches head to Leeds for the joint pre-match press conference.

Both sides will be looking to work hard this week and build some momentum into the final, with Hull particularly aiming to put to bed the negatives surrounding an embarrassing 46-18 defeat last Friday at home to Huddersfield Giants.

We will hear from coach Lee Radford on Hull’s plans this week as they focus on defending their trophy at Wembley.

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Wigan coach Shaun Wane will also be present so we’ll have the latest from him, as well as several snippets from players on both sides who will arrive alongside their coaches at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Meanwhile, we’ll have the latest news and gossip relating to our clubs Hull FC and Hull KR. More in the blog below on the future of a key man for the Robins.

Key Events

Presser starting to die down now

The final interviews are underway as players and the press start to make their way out of Headingley.

Overall, the clear message from both camps is to ‘enjoy the week’. After winning the Cup last year, Radford and company seem a lot more relaxed than 2016 and can relish the atmosphere and game. Wigan, also, looking forward to turning out at Wembley again having won the Cup four years ago against the Black and Whites.

You can see plenty in tomorrow’s Hull Daily Mail and throughout the week, as well as on our social media channels @HDMHullFC and ‘Hull FC HDM’ on Facebook.

15:57

Here's the Wigan point of view

15:10

Watch some of the press conference

15:09

Great news for FC

Challenge Cup final press conference

14:34

That's it for the broadcast section

Both sides in confident mood - and now we’re off to speak to some players.

Do stay with us!

14:34

O'Loughlin on young squad

“You’ve got to enjoy the week. There’s a lot of lads that have won and lost Grand Finals now so they’ll fall back on that experience too.”

14:33

O'Loughin on Williams

“He comes across a bit quiet but on the field he’s comfortable and vocal. When he’s at his best he’s a threat with the ball. If he looks after his own game good things come off the back of it.”

14:32

Wane on Williams

“I don’t think he’s played the best that he can so I’m looking for a much improved performance. He knows that, he agrees with me, we push him hard and he plays well in big games and there’s no bigger than this.

14:32

Radders on Kelly

“There was a chance he could have had a run out on Friday. He comes up with big plays for you and that’s what he’s done this season. He’s won a couple of games on the back of that for us.

14:31

More Radders

“This time around it genuinely has been easier. Last year was really tough as a few blokes dropped out that had played very well last year but this time it’s not the case. It’s not an easy job but it’s part of my job and it’s been made slightly easier this time around.”

14:30

Radders

“I’ve named our team today. Everybody is fit and we’re pretty strong and I wanted them to know early doors if they’re in the team.

14:30

Shaun Wane on O'Loughlin

“We’ll wait and see how he trains this week and make a call but I have Joel Tomkins and Tom Davies.”

14:29

Ellis now

“You’d like to think you’d learn from all your experiences and especially 2013. I’ve experienced both sides and I know which one I wanna be on in that final Cup game I’ll take part in.

“Wigan are getting that consistency back so it’s going to be a big task for us.”

14:29

Radders starts: What would it mean to win Cup final two years in a row

“When I came back to the club in 2006 all the highlights on the TVs in the restaurants was the 05 final. I’d love to do it again.”

14:25

More on the history

“When people in Hull and Wigan get up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to walk down Wembley way, they’re part of the next chapter of the Challenge Cup.”

14:24

Historian explaining Challenge Cup legacy

“There is not a trophy in the world which matches its magnificence”.

Too true...

14:23

Let's hope it's Gaz!

14:22Gareth Westmorland

Look at this beauty

14:16Gareth Westmorland

We're almost ready to go

13:31Gareth Westmorland

Calm before the storm

In around 15 minutes we’re expecting Lee Radford and Gareth Ellis to come face to face with Shaun Wane and Sean O’Loughlin at the top table for the Challenge Cup final press conference.

You can expect updates from that on this blog.

Throughout the afternoon, we’ll be chatting to the likes of Scott Taylor, Marc Sneyd, Sam Tomkins and George Williams. Stay tuned!

13:20Gareth Westmorland

Look at that press list! How long has Radders got?

13:12

While we wait for the presser in the next half an hour, here's our Hull FC chat

13:04

We'll be live shortly from inside Headingley for the Challenge Cup press conference

12:59

Get involved

12:26

Time to talk Hull KR

12:12

Sponsorship extended

The Rugby Football League and Ladbrokes have agreed an extension to the current partnership that will see the betting company remain as title sponsor of Rugby League’s most famous and historic competition, the Challenge Cup.

Hull FC win the 2016 Challenge Cup Final

12:10

Danny Houghton latest

The Hull FC vice captain has been discussing the loss at Huddersfield and the week ahead for Hull FC.

10:41

KR planning minimal recruitment for 2018 says Peacock

“Should we secure our place back in Super League for next season, we would anticipate minimal changes to the squad at this stage, although that situation is continuously under review and is determined by a number of factors,” Peacock told League Express.

“With the signing of Danny McGuire for next season already announced, plus the arrival of the likes of Justin Carney, Mose Masoe, Lee Jewitt and Chris Atkin into the club during recent months, we have already brought in a number of players of proven Super League standard.

Hull KR's Jamie Peacock. (Image: SWpix)

“We also have a large squad with plenty of depth and we have worked hard to secure contract extensions with a number of players to ensure we are in a strong position.

“Final decisions on players and recruitment always rest with Tim Sheens, but we have planned for consistency and continuity rather than wholesale changes.”

Houghton warns Hull FC team-mates

The Black and Whites travel to London later this week for their second straight Wembley showdown but still have the ill-feeling of the hammering last time out in the league to contend with.

DONNING NEW KIT: Hull FC hooker Danny Houghton. (Image: Hull FC)

Houghton feels as though it’s critical Hull learn from their mistakes from Friday’s disappointing loss which saw them lose ground on second place, but if FC are to be successful against Wigan Warriors he believes putting the review process to bed as quickly as possible can help the squad in the build-up to the final.

Update for Hull KR fans to chew on

It may be a big day for Hull FC today as their Challenge Cup final press conference takes place, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for Hull KR!

Some interesting news coming out of the League Express this morning relates to the Robins and star half-back Jamie Ellis.

Former Hull FC playmaker Jordan Rankin is set to sign a long-term deal with Huddersfield Giants, Ellis’ parent club. The paper states this move all-but ends the possibility of Ellis moving back to Huddersfield in 2018.

Hull KR's Jamie Ellis unloads the ball against Halifax

But it seems a future with KR beyond this season is far from certain, with the Mail reporting earlier this year that Ellis was considering staying at KR.

However, it now seems Ellis’ representatives have reached out to other clubs in the Super League and the Championship as well. Watch this space.